Alaska doesn’t feel like the rest of America. It’s wild, remote, and almost impossible to wrap your head around until you’re flying over glaciers and endless forests without a person in sight. That was the view from the tiny bush plane I took to reach bear camp inside Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. After a night in the small town of Homer and a strict 35-pound luggage limit, I arrived at a remote stretch of shoreline that would be home for the next four days — no cell service, no Wi-Fi, just wildlife.
With the strict baggage limit preventing me from bringing too much gear, everything I packed had to work overtime. And one item I wore from the moment I arrived to the moment I left? These hiking pants.
When I arrived at Lake Clark National Park, I quickly realized that the terrain wasn’t for the faint of heart — or weak fabric.
When you see more than a dozen wild grizzlies roaming at once, it’s simply mesmerizing and I could have spent all day happily viewing these beautiful creatures. With our trained guides, we were able to spend days viewing bears in the wild meadow for hours at a time. Hiking to bear observation points isn’t a leisurely stroll. I crouched behind bushes for photos, got down on my knees on the sandy shoreline, moved quietly through the wooded areas and sat in the grass for long periods of time. From standing around to squatting, sitting on a log, down on my knees and laying in the grass, these pants were perfect.
Truthfully, I wore these pants four days in a row. If I got mud or dirt on them, I could easily clean it out with a damp paper towel. Thanks to the nylon-spandex composition, the pants stretched when I needed space and compressed when I needed support.
Available in 10 colors and waist sized from 28-40, these water-resistant pants are equipped with their own belt and an elastic waistband for versatile, adjustable comfort.
When I arrived at Lake Clark National Park, I quickly realized that the terrain wasn't for the faint of heart — or weak fabric.
One of the underrated struggles in Alaska is keeping your gear safe while navigating the great outdoors. I’d leave camp with the group for hours at a time so I had to carry all of my camera gear, water, sunglasses and any other necessities. These pants pack six zippered pockets that make traveling on the go super simple and convenient. You never have to worry about your valuable items like your wallet falling out as you’re trying to capture a grizzly standing on its two hind legs.
Alaska doesn’t have predictable weather. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s raining sideways, and rivers are colder than your imagination. My pants repelled water well enough to keep me dry during a drizzle but they are not completely waterproof. I love how lightweight they are, but if you’re looking for something warmer you’ll definitely have to wear undergarment leggings too.
Sleeping in canvas tents, out in the wild all day, and not showering for 48 hours doesn’t sound glamorous — but these pants handled it. They were breathable enough to keep me comfortable during long hikes and resisted odors better than I expected.
By the third day, I was questioning whether I should even pack extras. I didn’t need to. From bear sightings to dinners, these pants went everywhere with me without complaint.
These pants helped me blend in with the pro travelers, seasoned guides, and wildlife photographers on the same expedition— functional, sleek, and clearly designed for adventure. I didn’t look like I wandered in from a cruise ship; I looked like I belonged.
Practical style is underrated in the wild, but it’s a confidence booster. These pants let me move, explore, and survive without anyone questioning if I knew what I was doing.